“dpai were the lead architects for the renovations to Hamilton’s Central Library. The building had been a prime example of seventies brutalist architecture, with all of the dark and cold connotations. David Premi and his team saw the building’s potential, which we didn’t. I have worked with many architects on many projects; this project was the first time I found myself letting go, confident that our hopes and visions for the building were being heard and were being translated into a workable plan combined with an amazing AWE factor. The result is a remarkable, iconic building that the public has embraced as their own. One of my favourite moments, as a librarian, was the day it re-opened after eighteen months of renovations. I stood, with David, just inside the front doors and watched people, with delight in their eyes, enter and quickly understand – intuitively – each space. Use of the building skyrocketed and has remained high ever since the transformation performed by David and his team”

- Ken Roberts, former Chief Librarian, Hamilton Public Library

“The vision you have established for the branch is strongly aligned with our needs and aspirations. All of us have enjoyed working with you on this project and appreciate the quality of your work. Thank you for a job very well done”

- Paul Takala, Chief Librarian/CEO Hamilton Public Library

“From start to finish, the team from dpai was amazing to work with. Their attention to detail, commitment to quality work and focus on customer service resulted in an outcome that far surpassed our expectations. We were renovating an existing use research and educational space in an older building on a limited budget. The team from dpai took the time to thoroughly assess our current and future needs and managed to channel our vision into design features that have had a lasting positive impact on all users of the space. We have found that the space is adaptable to our needs, robust in terms of utilization and comfortable and energizing to work in”

“Theatre Aquarius, like many institutions in the non-profit sector, has big dreams, grand visions, and limited resources. That is exactly why a partner like dpai architecture has been so essential for us. They share our inspiration, and have the flexibility and responsiveness to help us actualize those ideas, while taking innovative approaches to ensure that the finished project reflects the vision, and not the roadblocks that were overcome along the way”

- Lorna Zaremba – General Manager, Theatre Aquarius

“Thank you all SO MUCH for all your work on this project! We have all added a little bit of ourselves to the history of this building.”

- Jennifer Stacey, General Manager – Ryerson Student Centre

“It has been a pleasure to work with dpai on our art studio expansion and renovation project at McMaster University. dpai’s friendly consultation throughout the process was effective and much appreciated. They applied their expertise to our unique demands, arriving at aesthetically dynamic solutions for a complex network of work spaces. The result is a functionally and visually cohesive space”

- Judy Major-Girardin – Professor and Project Team Lead, McMaster School of the Arts